Can Dogs Eat Carrots? How to Feed Dogs Carrots

Yes, dogs can eat carrots. Both raw and cooked carrots make for healthy dog treats, so long as the carrots are served plain. Plain carrots are a low-calorie food and make for a healthy snack with multiple health benefits. However, it’s best to give your dog small amounts at first whenever you introduce a new food.

Pet owners may consider feeding their dogs carrots for the following reasons.

1. 1. Fiber: Carrots are high in fiber, which can support your dog’s digestive system health.
2. 2. Nutrients: Carrots contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant that produces vitamin A. Carrots also contain vitamin K, vitamin C (which can help boost the immune system), and vitamins B, D, and E. Other healthy ingredients include calcium, niacin, potassium, and magnesium. Lutein and lycopene are found in carrots, both of which are related to eye health.
3. 3. Dental health benefits: Dog owners can feed both raw carrots and frozen carrots to their pets to help with their dog’s dental health. Eating carrots can help some dog breeds clean their teeth, and the fibrous, chew-toy texture can help ease the discomfort for puppies that are teething.

There are a few things to keep in mind when feeding your dog carrots.

1. 1. Raw: Wash carrots, especially non-organic ones, before feeding small pieces to your dog. This will help remove pesticides that can be found on some carrots. You can also cut them into carrot sticks or purchase baby carrots. Try grating carrots over dog food to help break up the cellulose that is hard for dogs to digest. The more broken down you can get raw carrots, the better your dog will be able to extract the nutrients from them. Carrot flakes or a puree will maximize carrot benefits in your dog’s diet.
2. 2. Cooked carrots: Steaming carrots for about ten minutes can help your dog eat these crunchy veggies and digest the nutrients. Avoid feeding your dog cooked carrots with added salt or seasonings.

Whole carrots can potentially pose a choking hazard—especially for puppies and small dogs—so take care to give them small pieces. Carrots also contain natural sugar and fiber, both of which can cause digestive issues for your pet if you feed them large quantities of carrots. Cooked carrots seasoned with onion powder or garlic powder are harmful for dogs.

Before Sharing With Your Pooch
Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.